Escambia County Corrections’ Wilson, Hankins Graduate From State Leadership Programs
July 16, 2024
Two Escambia County Corrections employees have graduated this year from leadership programs through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, demonstrating their dedication to enhancing their leadership skills in the criminal justice profession.
Capt. Shawn Hankins (pictured right) graduated from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Senior Leadership Program and Sgt. Lonnie Wilson (pictured left) graduated from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Florida Leadership Academy, both of which require a rigorous application and selection process.
“I’m incredibly proud of Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson for taking the initiative and putting in the hard work it takes to apply for and complete these programs,” Escambia County’s Chief of Corrections Rich Powell said. “Corrections is a demanding and challenging career, and it’s imperative to develop and recognize strong leaders who can successfully guide our team through challenges that come our way. I appreciate FDLE for offering training and development programs like this to foster the advancement of Escambia County and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.”
Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson were selected from applicants throughout the state to participate in the multi-week programs, which teach participants critical skills to be effective leaders through the challenges faced by criminal justice professionals.
Both Capt. Hankins and Sgt. Wilson spoke highly of their experiences, which not only taught them valuable leadership skills, but also helped them network and build connections with other agencies throughout the state.
“I think it gets you ready for upper-level management, and it helps with that next level of getting a bigger perspective community-wide as opposed to focusing on your area of concern,” said Capt. Hankins, who has worked for Escambia County Corrections since 2005. “It makes you think of the community as whole and not just inside the jail, but how it affects the community outside of the jail.”
Sgt. Wilson was among 44 first-line supervisors serving in leadership roles selected for the Florida Leadership Academy, with participants representing 37 criminal justice agencies throughout the state. He was also nominated and selected as class president.
“The information that they taught, just learning how to become a leader and figuring out what type of leader you are – it’s helped me tremendously,” said Sgt. Wilson, who has been with Escambia County Corrections for nearly 25 years and now supervises more than 40 employees.
The Florida Leadership Academy consists of four week-long sessions where participants learn skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and communities in preparation for future challenges. The goal of the academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals, while examining the various components necessary to become efficient leaders.
The Senior Leadership Program is designed to prepare Florida’s criminal justice leadership for the challenging and changing demands of the future. Participants met for seven weeks over a 10-month period. They studied the trends and events that will challenge criminal justice professionals and the state, also examining the leadership skills necessary to create and lead the changes that lie ahead.
Escambia Commission Cancels This Week’s Meeting
July 16, 2024
This week’s schedule Escambia County Commission meeting has been canceled.
The meeting was scheduled for Thursday, July 18.
The public forum preceding the meeting was also canceled due to no meeting cancellation.
The next scheduled meeting for the Escambia County Commission is Thursday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Pictured: The July 9, 2024, meeting of the Escambia County Commission.
Suspect, 19, Indicted For Fatal Drive-By Shooting Of 70-Year-Old
July 15, 2024
A 19-year-old man has been indicted for the fatal drive-by shooting of a 70-year-old woman in Escambia County last month.
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden announced Monday that Jaquaris Ethridge was indicted by Escambia County grand jury on charges of:
— – first degree premeditated murder
— - shooting at or into a building
— - fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed
— – possession of a firearm by a convicted delinquent under 24 years of age
The shooting that ultimately claimed the life of 70-year-old Myra Haynes happened June 24 before a high-speed chase.
The chase ended with a PIT maneuver on the Highway 90 bridge over Escambia Bay. Three suspects — Ethridge, Terrance Gross Jr. and Trevion Moton — jumped off the bridge. Morton died from the jump, and Etheridge was captured. Gross Jr. remains in Webb County Jail in Texas awaiting extradition back to Escambia County on several warrants related to the shooting.
Etheridge remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond awaiting arraignment on Friday.
Blue Angels Select Officers for 2025 Show Season
July 15, 2024
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected five new officers to join the team for the 2025 air show season.
The squadron selected two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an Events Coordinator and a Flight Surgeon to replace outgoing team members.
By the start of the 2025 show season, these five officers will join the ranks of the U.S. Navy’s most elite aviation officers, ground support officers, and enlisted maintenance personnel already serving on the team.
“It’s always a challenge selecting new officers for the team because we have so many highly qualified applicants,” said Cdr. Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels.“We are thrilled to introduce the new officers for the 2025 show season and excited to see what each of them bring to our demonstration team in 2025.”
Each year, the Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the team’s home base of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show; selections are made at the conclusion of that week. This year’s Pensacola Beach Air Show took place July 6-8.
The selected 2025 officers include:
F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots:
- Maj. Brandon Wilkins, from Beaufort, South Carolina, is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31. He graduated from The Citadel in 2007.
- Maj. Scott Laux, from Chantilly, Virginia is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012.
Events Coordinator:
- Lcdr. Lilly Montana, from Vienna, Virgina, is currently assigned to VT-86. She graduated from Auburn University in 2010.
C-130J Demonstration Pilot:
- Maj. Joshua Horman, from Smithville, Missouri, is currently assigned to VMGR-252. He graduated from William Jewell College in 2009.
Flight Surgeon:
- Cmdr. Jen Murr, from Jackson Center, Ohio, is currently assigned to VR-56. She graduated from Xavier University in 2002.
New team members will report to the squadron in September for a two-month turnover period. Upon completion of the 2024 show season, which concludes in November with the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at NAS Pensacola, the team will embark on a rigorous five-month training program at NAS Pensacola and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
ECSO: McDavid Woman Claims Crockpot ‘Magically Makes Meth”, Charged With Child Neglect
July 15, 2024
A McDavid woman ha been arrested on battery and child neglect charges.
Courtney Nicole Calder, 34, was charged with felony child neglect and misdemeanor battery.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report, Calder pushed a woman to the ground, causing her to fall onto a child, leaving a bump on the back of his head when he fell into a hardwood floor.
The woman that was allegedly pushed told deputies that she was in a hallway to help her grandchild when Calder started screaming at her and then pushed her with two hands, causing her to fall on the child.
Deputies noted in their report that the child had a bump on the back of his head that was evaluated and cleared by Escambia County EMS.
“I then spoke with Courtney Calder who started talking about a crock pot on her property that magically makes meth and somehow introduces it into her house and how her (relative) is trying to steal her children from her,” the responding deputy wrote in his report. Calder was not accused of any drug-related crimes during the incident.
Calder was arrested on scene, and the Department of Children and Families abuse hotline was notified, the report states.
She remained in the Escambia County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $4,000.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services This Week In Walnut Hill, Century
July 15, 2024
Driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Walnut Hill and Century this week.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:
Walnut Hill Community Center on Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, July 18 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
The Walnut Hill Community Center, also known as the “Ruritan Building”, is at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the fire department.
Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center on June 11. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Florida Gas Prices Hold Steady Over Last Week
July 15, 2024
Florida gas prices held steady on average over the last week.
Florida’s average was $3.51, unchanged from a week ago and up nearly a quarter over the last month.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $3.23, up a penny from one week ago. In Pensacola, a low of $3.02 was available Sunday night at a station on East Nine Mile Road, and North Escambia was as low as $3.05 at a station on South Highway 29.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Register Now For Northview Chiefs Football Camp
July 15, 2024
Northview Football will host a Youth Football Camp July 18-19 from 5-7 p.m. each evening.
Camp attendees will play and learn from Northview coaching staff and players.
Pre-registration is $50 or register day of the camp for $60. A t-shirt is included for all campers.
Activities Include:
- Position Drills – Learn proper technique for each camper’s position.
- Agility Drills – Learn different footwork, speed, and ball catching drills.
- Offensive/Defensive Groups – Learn how to run different formations and plays.
- Tackling – Learn blocking and safe tackling techniques.
- Chief Ball – Fun team competition at the end of camp.
Pre-register using Venmo to the NHS Quarterback Club @NarthviewHS-Chiefs
Cash or check payable to Northview High School accepted on the day of the camp.
Wahoos Drop Back-and-Forth Road Finale
July 15, 2024
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (49-37) fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas (43-43) in a tightly contested road series finale on Sunday afternoon.
Riding the momentum of six consecutive wins, the Wahoos took an immediate first-inning lead. A two-out fielding error by Rocket City left fielder Orlando Martinez opened the door for Pensacola designated hitter Zach Zubia, who belted his second home run of the series to put the Wahoos ahead 2-0.
Pensacola struggled for additional offense against Rocket City starter Chase Chaney, who settled into a rhythm throughout a four-inning outing. Meanwhile, the Trash Pandas chipped away against Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez (6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K). In the bottom of the third, a pair of Trash Panda singles and a passed ball set up second baseman Arol Vera, who hit a sacrifice fly to score center fielder Nelson Rada and cut the Wahoos’ lead to 2-1.
In the Rocket City fourth, two walks and a single loaded the bases for catcher Myles Emmerson, who swatted his second of four hits on the day to score two runs and give the Trash Pandas a 3-2 lead. Neither team would score again until the seventh when Pensacola third baseman Dalvy Rosario hit his first home run of the year off Rocket City righthander Brett Kerry (W, 1-0) to tie the game 3-3.
In the top of the ninth, Pensacola had an opportunity to take a late lead but stranded two runners aboard. In the bottom of the ninth, righthander Raffi Vizcaíno (L, 4-3) ran into early trouble. Rocket City third baseman Eric Wagaman led off the inning with a check-swing single into right, then advanced to second on a fielding error by Wahoos right fielder Jacob Berry. Right fielder Tucker Flint then reached base on a third-strike wild pitch. With runners at the corners and nobody out, Vizcaíno struck out the next two batters before allowing a walk-off single to Nelson Rada.
The 4-3 defeat snaps the Wahoos’ six-game winning streak and an 11-game winning streak at Toyota Field. Despite the loss, Pensacola ends the week with a 5-1 road series victory.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Friday, July 19 to face the Mississippi Braves. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Walnut Hill Man Was The Boss Of The Pensacola Beach Air Show. Here’s A Behind The Scenes Look.
July 14, 2024
A Walnut Hill man was the boss of it all at the Pensacola Beach Air Show.
The air boss.
The air boss controls the schedule for all the aerial acts, mass formations, high-speed jet demonstrations and pyrotechnics at every show.
Air Boss Paul Entrekin has the primary responsibility for coordinating all air show operations within the demonstration area and plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, efficient, and entertaining air show every year. All of this while also meeting the latest standard air show regulations.
And he’s been doing it for 31 years.
“I’m sort of the ringmaster of the circus or the orchestra leader if you will. I’m the one that holds the baton while everyone else makes beautiful music,” Entrekin said from his home in Walnut Hill. “I’m the guy that’s responsible for the safety of flight of all the performers, making sure they’re safe in the air and that all our spectators are safe on the ground.”
“If everything goes smoothly and according to plan it’s very simple. But when we have unexpected issues, such as intruders in the air space, or any number of mechanical or physiological issues with the pilots, then things get ramped up a little bit and that’s where I have to earn my bacon as it were.”
“It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve been doing it for such a long time now, it’s second nature, and I work with a really, really good cadre of individuals,” he said. “The civilian performers at the Santa Rosa Island Authority hires are top-notch folks, and of course, the Blues. Nobody does it better than they do.”
For the Pensacola Beach Air Show, he has a bird’s eye view of the beach right at the center of the show on a scissor lift about 30 feet in the air with a multitude of communications devices that allow him to talk to beach rescue responders, the Coast Guard or talk to the planes that are flying — except for the Blue Angels.
He said with both the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds, they operate on their own discrete UHF frequency.
“No one, and I mean no one including the air boss is allowed. We can monitor that frequency, but we’re not allowed to, to talk or say a single word on that frequency. If, if for example, I saw something that needed to be communicated to the boss, Number 8 (the events coordinator) and I are in very close proximity and I would tell Number 8 that we have a situation where I need for them to terminate maneuver. He would then relay that to the maintenance officer or Mo. And Mo is the only one that has direct calm with the boss. And he would say, hey boss, we’ve got this situation needs to be to terminate after this maneuver is safe and complete.”
“The exception to that is if I call a ‘knock it off’. A knock it off is a safety of flight issue that means stop what you are doing this very second. I would pass my knock it off to Number 8 who would pass it to the Mo,” he said. “They would stop what they’re doing, and they would orbit and then we talk it about it later.”
Even after three decades, there’s one special moment in the Blue Angels’ performance that is still his favorite.
“When they cross at center point where timing and altitude are absolutely critical. And they are their own worst critics. They scrutinize down to the nth degree, and there is no such thing as a perfect show. They are always striving to do it just a little bit better. When from my vantage point, when I see what’s an almost perfect hit, meaning that the solos have arrived at center point at exactly the same time at the perfect altitude.”
“When it looks like just a tremendously close call usually that makes me grin. I like that part of the show best, he said.
Interest in the Blue Angels is up this year following “The Blue Angels” movie on Amazon Prime. And Entrekin says it’s actually a great movie that accurately represents our hometown Blue Angels.
“”I thought it was great. (Producer) Greg Wooldridge was one of my favorite bosses of the teams back in the day and he was an executive producer for that, and I think he did a fantastic job,” he said about the movie. “His fingerprints were all over the thing, and you could really tell that an insider had steered the production of that film. And so, I thought it was very well done.”
A 1976 graduate of Auburn University, Entrekin was commissioned as a U.S. Marine Corps officer in 1977 and designated a Naval Aviator in 1980. During his military career he became carrier qualified, flying both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. He was an instructor pilot until leaving active duty in 1986 and then retained reserve status with the Defense Intelligence Agency as a clandestine operative until retiring after Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1991.
No stranger to the air show world nor pushing boundaries, Entrekin soon was nicknamed “The Bandit,” after becoming the first civilian pilot to own and fly a Russian MiG aircraft. He founded Entrekin Aviation as a full-time air show pilot in 1986. He holds multiple U.S. and world airspeed records and is recognized on the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor.
Entrekin also flew for Delta Air Lines for 30 years before his retirement, and over the years has authored a number of books including, “Mighty Hands,” his bestseller “Mr. MiG,” and his most recent children’s book entitled, “Jasper and the Christmas Faeries” set at his Walnut Hill ranch.
Pictured top: Pensacola Beach Air Show Air Boss Paul Entrekin. Pictured below: Paul Entrekin and his wife Lisa discuss their book “Jasper and the Christmas Faeries” with NorthEscambia.com just before a recent Christmas holiday. NorthEscambia.com and submitted photo, click to enlarge.
